A Different Kind of Strategy BY BEN HESTLEY, DIRECTOR OF TENNIS, DRUID HILLS GOLF CLUB
USTA GEORGIA-GPTA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT: CHELSEA VEA Hometown (City/State): Peachtree City, Georgia How did you get involved in teaching tennis? After graduating from Penn State University, I was a volunteer assistant for the Georgia State University (GSU) Women’s tennis program. While coaching their team, I was introduced to David Drew at Universal Tennis Academy and began working with him and Tim Noonan at Bitsy Grant Tennis Center. Even though I enjoyed my time with GSU, I love working with juniors and being a part of their journey to navigate their goals and path throughout their tennis careers. Diehard fan of what sports team? Any team at Penn State
There are so many opportunities beyond simply knowing how to hit the ball and where to hit it.
Best part of your game? Volleys Dream doubles match would be me and… Serena Williams When I’m not teaching tennis, I’m… traveling (pre-COVID). My favorite tennis memory is: My entire experience playing for Penn State. My favorite professional player is: Serena Williams #1 reason why I enjoy teaching & coaching tennis: I love working with the kids and forming relationships with them and their families. It’s so rewarding seeing them work towards and achieve their goals. What important tennis message do you want to promote? Keep it fun!
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n his book, “The Bottom of the Pool,” Andy Andrews writes about playing a game your opponents don’t even know is being played. Wouldn’t it be great if you went into a tennis match with a tool that your opponent didn’t even know existed or had complete disregard for its importance? It would be like one builder with a hammer and the other with a nail gun! But how deep do we really go when strategizing for a tennis match? There are so many opportunities beyond simply knowing how to hit the ball and where to hit it. Understanding the “game within the game” can lend you a sizeable advantage over your competition. Always know where the sun sits. Depending on the time of day, one side of the net could be glaring right into the sun. When your opponents are on that side, hit a lot of lobs. When you’re on the sunny side, try to keep the ball low to avoid having to look up and be blinded. Did you know that no tennis court is flat? They are all pitched for drainage purposes. It’s subtle but look closely and you can see it. We industry people refer to it as the “high side” and “low side.” Really scientific! When your opponent is on the low side, a drop-shot is excellent because they will be MAY/JUNE 2021 NETNEWS
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